JP2004032671A - Radio telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a processor which responds to each sequence of exposed keys of positions, in a certain range of an extended part and performs predetermined functions. <P>SOLUTION: The telephone is provided with a key pad including a plurality of keys installed in a main body 2, a housing including the extended part which is mounted to slide in a longitudinal direction between a 1st position, in which the plurality of keys is concealed and a 2nd position in which the plurality of keys is exposed, and a processor which can operate to execute each predetermined function responding to each sequence of the key operation. The processor means conducts performance of predetermined functions for each sequence of exposed key operation for positions in a certain range of the extension part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to telephone handsets, and more particularly, to wireless telephone handsets.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the field of mobile telephones, there is a general movement to produce compact telephone structures, which are particularly portable. However, there is a conflicting, primarily psychological requirement that the gap between the user's ear and mouth must be bridged by the telephone in order to make the sensation of using a wireless telephone more like a conventional landline telephone.
[0003]
One way to accomplish this is to attach a hinged flap to the main body of the phone so that when the phone is closed, it pivots and pivots to a position that overlaps the main body, but extends the full length of the phone when the phone is in use. That is. An example of such a telephone is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,772.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such phones are relatively fragile, and are particularly susceptible to damage when the flap is opened. This is because, in such a case, an accidental collision or other rough handling may occur. Also, hinged flaps are problematic in forming a secure conductive path from the microphone across the hinge to the main body of the phone.
[0005]
Another arrangement which overcomes some of the inherent disadvantages of hinged flaps is disclosed in EP 0,414,365. The compact telephone or handset disclosed in this patent includes a main body and a cover portion configured to slide longitudinally with respect to the main body. In the retracted position, the phone is compact and easy to store. In the extended position, the phone is dimensioned to comfortably tie the gap between the user's ear and mouth. This design is compact and relatively robust.
[0006]
In the handset disclosed in the above-mentioned EP 0,414,365, the connection enabling the call answering / transmitting mode is only made when the cover part is in its fully extended position. Thus, the handset can only be used to make and receive calls when the cover is in its fully extended position.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless handset that can solve the above-mentioned problems of the related art.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a keypad including a plurality of keys attached to a main body, a first position where the plurality of keys are hidden, and a second position where the plurality of keys are exposed. A housing having an extension mounted to slide longitudinally therewith; and a processor operable to perform each predetermined function in response to each sequence of key operations; The present invention provides a wireless handset operable to perform a predetermined function corresponding to each sequence of key operations exposed to a range of positions of the extension.
[0009]
For the purposes of this description, a sequence shall include a single operation. In known handsets of the type mentioned at the outset, the handsets can only perform certain functions of placing and receiving calls when the cover part is in a fully open position. When the cover is in a position other than the fully open position, it cannot make or receive calls. This means that the phone must be properly opened before making or receiving a call. If the sleeve portion does not "lock" in place, the performance of the handset will be compromised.
[0010]
The present invention enables a processor to perform a predetermined function in response to each sequence of keys exposed to a range of positions of an extension. Therefore, problems associated with a particular function corresponding to a particular location of the extension are ameliorated.
[0011]
Preferably, when the extension is in the first position, at least one key is exposed in addition to the plurality of keys. This key is operable to control the volume of the output of the wireless handset. Preferably, when an incoming call is indicated, operating the exposed key puts the handset into an off-hook state. Thereby, the call can be answered.
[0012]
Preferably, the processor means is operable to perform a predetermined function corresponding to a sequence of operations of the exposed keys for each position of the extension. Using exposed keys to control the operation of the microprocessor at each location of the extension ensures that the extension is properly positioned at a particular location without any problems before a particular function can be performed. Can be secured. When the key is exposed, the function can be executed. This ensures that the operation of the handset is simplified. The extension preferably occupies a position intermediate the first and second positions.
[0013]
The main body includes a first transducer, and the extension preferably includes a second transducer, wherein the first and second transducers are configured such that the extension has a first and second position and an intermediate position therebetween. It is activated when there is. The first transducer is typically a speaker or earphone, and the second transducer is a microphone.
[0014]
Preferably, the extension is moved from the first position to answer the call. Preferably, the extension is moved to the first position to end the call. This gives the user an option other than keying to answer and end the call.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a keypad including a plurality of keys attached to the main body, a first position where the plurality of keys are hidden, and a second position where the plurality of keys are exposed. A housing having an extension mounted to slide longitudinally therewith; operable to place the handset off-hook with the extension in a first position, a second position and at least one intermediate position. A wireless handset comprising processing means is provided.
[0016]
By allowing the handset to go off-hook in the first position, the second position and at least one intermediate position, the answering of the call is not unduly constrained by the position of the extension. This also simplifies the operation of the handset.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
The portable telephone handset according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 comprises a main body 2 substantially surrounding the entire electronic circuit of the radio telephone, and a sleeve part slidably mounted on the main body 2. 3 is provided. The handset has an antenna 5, a transceiver 6, and processing means 7 programmed with an algorithm that operates to select a communication channel with the base station (FIG. 2). The information is displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 8.
[0019]
Housing 1 includes a set of keys. As usual, a first group 10 of keys or buttons, labeled 0-9, * and #, arranged in an array of three rows and four columns, and a memory, as is also usually the case. There is a second group 11 of control keys or buttons for selecting various predetermined actions, such as storing and recalling, redialing the last number, starting a call (eg, indicated as SEND), and the like. A "key" is a key or button or element for providing input to a microprocessor, preferably from a user, preferably by touching and / or pressing a key and / or touching a key. It is. The display panel, LCD 8, is located above the two key groups in the housing. Above the display is a series of holes 12, behind which are earphones or speakers 13 for transmitting speech or other audio to the user of the wireless handset. The sleeve has a series of holes 14 at its lower end, and a microphone 15 is mounted behind it (FIG. 2).
[0020]
The sleeve portion 3 is configured to slide relative to the main body between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and a fully open position shown in FIG. The main body of the housing is curved, and the sleeve-like portion provides sufficient curvature to place the earphone 13 and mouthpiece 15 adjacent to the user's ear and mouth, respectively. The material selected for the slide portion of this particular embodiment of the present invention is a polycarbonate to which Teflon has been added to provide a satisfactory sliding feel during use.
[0021]
In the closed position, both key groups 10, 11 are hidden (FIG. 1), i.e. the only keys that can be used are the multi-purpose keys 16 located on the side of the handset. In the fully open position (FIG. 3), both key groups 10, 11 are exposed and both numeric and control keys can be selected. A third sleeve position with the sleeve partially open is shown in FIG. 4 and shows only the second key group 11. In this position, the control keys are still selectable, but the numeric keys are not selectable because they are hidden. The control key can be used to place a call, i.e., to place a call from memory and to receive a call. In this embodiment, the key is physically hidden by the wall of the sleeve portion interposed between the key and the user, which wall prevents the key from being used. In other embodiments (not shown), a simple barrier is provided, which does not hide the key, but at least covers the key enough to prevent the finger from reaching the key. Prevent keys from being used. For example, the barrier can have small holes.
[0022]
In the intermediate position in FIG. 4, the telephone can be further operated with one hand. Ideally, the sleeve can be slid to an intermediate position by the force of the user's thumb. The control keys can then be operated to make a call or set the operating mode of the handset.
[0023]
The microprocessor 7 always works, but when the first group of numeric keys 10 is hidden, they cannot be physically operated to make telephone calls. When the sleeve is completely closed, the only keys that can be operated are the multi-purpose keys 16 located on the side of the phone, forming a third key group that is exposed to all positions of the sleeve 3. The handset is programmed to respond to operation of the multi-purpose key 16 based on the position of the sleeve relative to the main body. When the sleeve is closed, actuation of the multi-purpose key 16 will answer the incoming call (by turning the handset "off-hook") and, optionally, the function of this key will be Including adjusting the volume. When the sleeve is opened and the other keys are exposed (especially the answer key 11a), the incoming call cannot be answered using the multi-purpose key 16 (except in the "key answer" mode), i. It only works as a key. The handset uses the multi-purpose key 16 for volume control when the slide is closed, so that the ringing tone of the phone is adjusted and when the slide is opened, this key adjusts the volume of the phone speaker. Can be programmed. The function of the multipurpose key depends on the position of the slide.
[0024]
The sleeve portion 3 is attached to the main body so as to slide with respect to the main body 2. A groove 20 is provided on each side of the main body, extending substantially along its length (FIGS. 3, 4, 5). Runners 21 (FIG. 9), arranged one on each side of the lower surface of the sleeve portion, are retained in these grooves so that the sleeve portion 3 can slide relative to the main body 1 while being captured. .
[0025]
In the embodiment shown, the configuration of the groups of keys is such that at a particular location the sleeve gives access to each group. Therefore, the position where neither the first set of keys nor the second set of keys is exposed (closed) (FIG. 1), the position where only the second set of keys is exposed (middle) (FIG. 4), or the first and second keys Preferably, there is a preferred position to place the sleeve in a position (fully extended) (FIG. 3) that exposes both sets of keys. The third set of keys, or (in this embodiment) the multi-purpose key 16, is always exposed.
[0026]
To hold the sleeve in the three priority positions, the main body of the handset is provided with a pair of members 22 (FIGS. 5, 10) disposed within the main body, and these members are attached to the main body 2 of the handset. Each of the grooves 20 protrudes one by one. These members 22 are spring loaded to allow the sleeve portion to be moved from the preferred position when needed. The member 22 is elastic and is attached to a holder 24 in the main body 2 by a fastening portion 23 protruding through a hole 25 of the groove 20. The catch 23 is pushed by one of the runners 21 of the sleeve part 3 so that it no longer projects into the groove 20. The runner is provided with a recess 26 (FIG. 9), and when the recess 26 matches the retaining portion 23, the sleeve 3 is held in position. Recess 26 is provided such that the sleeve portion is "captured" in the closed, intermediate, and fully open positions.
[0027]
Two of the indentations 26 of the runner 21 corresponding to the closed position and the intermediate position have camming edges and, when a special force is applied to slide the sleeve from the first two sleeve positions, the catches 23 is pushed below the bottom of the groove 20 to disengage it from the recess 16 and allow the sleeve part 3 to continue to slide in the selected direction. The recess corresponding to the intermediate position has a cam-like leading edge and a trailing edge to allow movement in each direction. The recess corresponding to the closed position has only a cam-like leading edge for easy opening.
[0028]
It is not desirable to keep the sleeve open when the sleeve is in the fully extended position. This would cause the sleeve to come off the main body of the handset. In order to avoid this, the third recess 26 is further deepened, and the contact surface in the direction in which the sleeve portion is completely pulled out is not cam-shaped. This forms an absolute stop for further extension of the sleeve part. As a secondary measure, molded plastic pins 27 (FIG. 9) are provided on each side of the sleeve part 3 of the handset. Each of these abuts against a complementary surface located on the main body 2 of the handset and substantially prevents the sleeve portion 3 from being pulled out.
[0029]
As is evident from FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, the microphone 15 is mounted on a small flexible PCB 30, together with a filter 31 and a foam plastic member 32, which, together with the microphone holder 33, acts as an acoustic attenuator. 15 acoustic characteristics are improved. The flexible PCB 30 also includes two conductive tracks 34 to maintain contact between the microphone 15 and the handset electronics located within the main body housing. The flexible PCB 30 has a bare plastic sleeve by laminating a polycarbonate foil 35 with holes 36 corresponding to the tracks 34 and welding this portion to the slide cover underside of the sleeve portion by ultrasonic welding. Appropriately attached to itself. A microphone housing 37 surrounding the microphone 15 in the microphone holder 33 is then mounted. The resulting assembly 38 is mounted on the lower surface of the sleeve 3 with the aid of the guide pins indicated by dotted lines 39.
[0030]
Upon installation, the two conductive slide tracks 34 extend substantially from one end of the sleeve portion to the other end, with the microphone 15 for all sleeve positions between those positions, including the open and closed positions. To maintain electrical contact with the handset electronics. Also, the microphone housing 37 can be suitably ultrasonically welded to the underside of the sleeve to surround the microphone and its components and provide additional protection from dust and other damage. During installation, the microphone 15 is located behind the hole 14 at the lower end of the slide connected to the two slide tracks.
[0031]
The microphone connector 40 is suitably attached to the main body of the handset by ultrasonic welding (FIG. 5). This connector is placed in electrical contact with the main PCB of the handset body by way of contacts 41 or other mechanism. This is placed in contact with the two slide tracks at all positions of the sleeve and provides an electrical connection between the handset microphone and the main processor. Since the microphone is in constant electrical contact with the main processor via the slide track, signals from the microphone can be used by the main processor when appropriate for incoming or outgoing calls. Also, the connection is maintained during the movement of the sleeve portion. Thus, the handset can be used to the extent that the key is exposed at all positions of the sleeve relative to the main body. The microphone connector is evident in detail in FIGS.
[0032]
The microphone connector 40 has two spring contacts 42 arranged to contact each of the two slide tracks. The support surface 43 of the spring clip is flattened to provide improved contact with the slide track. The spring loading of these contacts ensures good electrical contact between the microphone and the microprocessor for a range of distances between the sleeve portion and the main body of the microphone connector element. This gives a good margin for the manufacturing process. It also allows the sleeve to be located at different distances from the microphone connector for each position on the slide.
[0033]
For reliability, it is desirable that the electrical connection between the microphone connector and the slide track be resistant to wear and resistant to dust and other damage. In this particular embodiment, the connectors are plated with 20 microns of palladium nickel followed by 2 microns of hard gold. The slide track 34 can also be plated with hard gold, and in this embodiment is plated to 5 microns for improved life.
[0034]
The microphone connector also has a built-in microswitch 44 that is actuated by a protrusion located on the underside of the sleeve portion. This microswitch 44 generates a signal indicating that the sleeve part 3 is not in the closed position. This signal can be used to detect the movement of the slide from the closed position. This enables the movement of the slide 3 to be used to answer incoming calls.
[0035]
The microswitch 44 has a spring-loaded member 45 projecting from the main body toward the sleeve cover 3 and a contact arm 46 aligned with the spring-loaded member so that the spring-loaded member is fully pressed. When this is done, contact with the contact arm is made. Upon such contact, a signal is sent to the microprocessor. When the sleeve is in the closed position, a projection 47 on the lower surface of the sleeve 3 at a position corresponding to the microswitch is provided on the lower surface of the sleeve portion. The projection 47 has a cam-like surface that progressively presses the spring-loaded element into contact with the contact arm as the sleeve portion slides toward the closed position. The switch 44 closes when the sleeve is in the closed position, so the signal from the switch can be used as an indication whether the sleeve is in the closed position.
[0036]
By providing the input from the microswitch to the microprocessor, the position of the sleeve portion can be used as an additional indication to the microprocessor. The call may be answered when the sleeve is moved from the closed position and / or the call may be terminated when the sleeve is closed. This data can be used to determine the function of the multi-function key 16.
[0037]
Two of the handset operating modes are "key answer" modes. When the handset is in the first "key answer" mode and an incoming call is indicated, placing the handset in an off-hook state and pressing any exposed keys (including multifunction keys) other than the power key 30 Allows you to receive calls. When the sleeve portion of the handset is fully open, the call can be answered using any of the available keys. In a second "key answer" mode, the multipurpose key does not answer the call when the slide is open.
[0038]
When the sleeve is closed when in any of the "key answer" modes or in the normal answer mode of the phone, there are two exposure keys, the multipurpose key 16 and the power control key 50. The handset can be closed and powered up, or closed and powered down. When the handset is powered up, it is in a standby state, i.e. receiving a call. Then, when the handset receives a paging message indicating that there is an incoming call to the handset, the call can be answered by either operating the volume control keys or sliding the sleeve from the closed position in one of two ways. The microprocessor uses the signal from the microswitch to determine that the sleeve is in the closed position. Thus, the incoming call can be received using the signal received from the multipurpose key when the sleeve is in the closed position. Similarly, when the sleeve is moved from the closed position while the micro switch indicates that the sleeve is closed, the micro switch instructs the microprocessor 7 of this displacement. This signal can then also be used to put the handset off-hook to receive an incoming call.
[0039]
If the end key is exposed, pressing the key or closing the sleeve can end the call. Microphones and earphones are connected to the microprocessor for all positions on the slide and continuously poll the keys to determine if they have been operated.
[0040]
The present invention is directed to any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein, whether related to the claimed invention or mitigating any or all of the problems addressed herein, or Including its generality.
[0041]
From the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portable wireless telephone handset according to the present invention with a slide cover closed.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a wireless telephone handset.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the portable wireless telephone handset of FIG. 1 with a slide cover completely opened.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the portable wireless telephone handset of FIG. 1 with the slide cover in an intermediate position.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a main body of the portable wireless telephone handset of FIG. 1, showing a microphone connector with a slide cover removed.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the microphone connector of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the microphone connector of FIG. 4 as viewed from the other end.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the microphone connector of FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the slide cover of the portable wireless telephone handset of FIG. 1 as viewed from below.
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the main body of the portable wireless telephone handset, showing a groove for engaging a slide portion.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the microphone housing of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the sleeve and the microphone housing of FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 2 Main body 3 Sleeve part 5 Antenna 6 Transceiver 7 Microprocessor 8 Liquid crystal display panel 10 Second group of keys or buttons 11 Second group of control keys or buttons 13 Earphone or speaker 15 Microphone 16 Multifunctional key 20 Groove 21 Runner 22 A pair of members 23 Fastening part 24 Holder 26 Recess 44 Micro switch

Claims (12)

A keypad including a plurality of keys attached to the main body, a first position in which the plurality of keys are hidden, and a second position in which the plurality of keys are exposed; A housing having an extension portion; a processor operable to perform each predetermined function in response to each sequence of operation of the key; A wireless handset operable to perform a predetermined function corresponding to each sequence of operation of exposed keys. The wireless handset of claim 1, further comprising an additional key exposed when the extension is in the first position. 3. The wireless handset of claim 2, wherein the additional key is operable to control a volume of an output of the wireless handset. The wireless handset according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when an incoming call is instructed, operating the exposed key puts the handset into an off-hook state. 5. The wireless handset according to claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to perform a predetermined function corresponding to a sequence of operation of a key exposed to each position of the extension. The wireless handset according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the extension occupies an arbitrary position between the first position and the second position. The main body includes a first transducer, and the extension includes a second transducer, the first and second transducers being operated when the extension is in the first and second positions and intermediate positions. The wireless handset according to claim 1. A wireless handset according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the call is answered when the extension moves from the first position. 9. The wireless handset according to claim 1, wherein the call is terminated when the extension moves to the first position. 10. The radio according to claim 1, wherein the processor is operable to execute a predetermined function corresponding to each sequence of operation of the exposure and non-exposure keys with respect to a certain position of the extension. Handset. The wireless handset according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising switching means for placing the handset in an off-hook state in response to movement of the extension from the first position. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising an additional key exposed when the extension is in the first position, wherein actuation of the additional key, when an incoming call is indicated, causes the handset to enter the off-hook position. The wireless handset according to any one of claims 11 to 12.

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